*********************************************

The Postmaster General, Mr Robert Footman, announced today (Thursday) that a set of special stamps on the theme of the 'Centenary of the Star Ferry' will be issued on April 26 (Sunday). The stamps were designed by Mr Johnny Wong Chun-wing and printed in photogravure by Joh. Enschede of the Netherlands.

This set of special stamps depicts four generations of the Star Ferry: the first generation in the 1900's ($1.30 stamp); the second generation in the 1910's to 1920's ($2.50 stamp); the third generation from 1920's to 1950's ($3.10 stamp); and the current generation which has been in use since the mid 1950's ($5 stamp).

The stamps have been on display for the advance information of the public at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Sha Tin Central Post Office since March 23. Official first day covers have also been put on sale at all post offices at $1 each on the same day.

A beautifully designed presentation pack containing the four stamps will be available for sale at $20 each at all post offices as from April 26. A set of four postage prepaid picture cards on the same theme which are prepaid in airmail postage will also be available for sale on the same day at $20 per set.

Serviced first day covers affixed with a full set of the stamps cancelled with the special postmark will be put on sale at $15.40 each at the 22 philatelic offices on April 26.

A restriction of ten sheets of stamps of each denomination (viz. 250 sets of stamps), five serviced first day covers, five sets of postage prepaid picture cards and five presentation packs per customer queuing will be imposed on the first day of issue on April 26 and on subsequent days until stock lasts.

Hand-back service will be provided at all post offices to official and privately-made covers bearing indication of the first day of issue on April 26. A special postmark will also be introduced. The GPO-1 hand stamp will also be available for hand-back service at all 22 philatelic offices.

All post offices will be opened on April 26 and the opening hours will be from 8 am to 4 pm. However, counter services provided will be restricted to sale of the new stamps and acceptance of registered mail only.

End/ Thursday, April 2, 1998

NNNN